VCCA Home Forums Thread Like Summary - New to VCCA, new to 1954 Bel Air, stovebolt engines

Thank you members. Just bought a grade 2.5 to 3.0, 1954 Bel Air. It's all bone stock original , with a three on the tree manual tranny I'm contemplating an engine upgrade. It currently has a 235 stovebolt engine. My first thought is to locate and build a 261 stovebolt to simplify the removal and install, and to maintain a degree of originality. Would there be any issues with this change? ( radiator, hoses, changing from a 6 volt system, brake and drivetrain upgrades, ect ) Also, this Chevy doesn't have an oil filter.

Next thought: install a small block Chevy V-8. Would I be able to to use the stock tranny and shift system? would there be issues with steering column, firewall, engine mounts, fender clearance, ect?

I'm sorry if this question has been asked and answered 1000 times. I really would like to use an upgraded stovebolt motor, but if I can't get at least 250 HP, 300 ft lbs, without spending a ton of money, I will look more seriously into a V-8.

I assume that your plan includes a full drivetrain replacement as well as chassis upgrades such as suspension, steering, and brakes.

I doubt if the transmission and rear axle will be very durable at the torque level you want to achieve. Remember that your car has an enclosed driveshaft. Any higher capacity transmission and rear axle will have an open driveshaft.

Plus the vehicle will be capable of much higher speeds than the chassis was designed to handle. Stopping and turning could be more excitement than you want.

Rusty is correct, upgrading much beyond original is like opening a barrel full of rattle snakes and at least 1 of them will turn around and bite you as I have been down that road a few times.
Tony

You stated in your first post that you wanted 250 HP.

Not sure that is possible for a "cruiser" with a 261. Not sure why you need that; Chevrolet owners in 1954 were happy with a 235 and 125 HP.

A 261 in new condition is rated at 150. One in used condition is going to be less, depending on the condition.

Not sure what headers would do.

A dual carb set-up, if DONE PERFECTLY, might get you 10 percent increase in HP. If done decently maybe 5 percent, or if cobbled, maybe LOSE 10 percent, or more!

A triple carb set-up, if done properly, can easily gain you 20 percent increase, maybe a bit more if you really do your homework and tuning.

Not enough to get to your desired 250, but maintaining the originality (to the degree of a six) with some eye candy under the hood, with maybe 50 percent increase in power over the original 235.

Personally, at a car show, I would look a LOT longer at such a modification than I would with a small block installed. You don't have to tell folks it is a 261.

Jon